Wilhelm Schurmann wins the 2011 Downunder Pro

The 2011 Downunder Pro - Oceanic and Australian Formula Windsurfing Championships has been conquered by Wilhelm Schurmann, from Brazil. The Brazilian windsurfer dominated the four-day regatta at Jimmy’s Beach, Hawks Nest, Australia.

Forty nine windsurfers battled in the eight races run. In the last day of competition, Schurmann secured the lead with 25-knot winds and an overall score of seven out of eight race victories.

"This spot is simply incredible! We had winds every single day, it was just perfect for sailing or any outdoor activities for that matter. I was able to bring some other Brazilian friends of mine down this year and we all had a great time! I’ll definitely be back next year once again", said Schurmann. Watch the final video highlights.

Sean O’Brien was the best Australian windsurfer of the 2011 Downunder Pro and took the third overall, right behind another Brazilian, Mathias Pinheiro. This means O’Brien is the Oceanic and Australian Champion for the fifth time.

"We picked this beach to run the event for more than just the quality sailing it produces. It’s got a small town vibe which is great for families who compete, there’s plenty of other things to do for the non-windsurfers and the conditions this place produces are absolutely World-Class. I had a great event and punishing Mathias in all the races today really capped it off for me", said Sean O’Brien.

A new division for the sailors new to the Formula Windsurfing class called ‘Formula Experience Plus’ (FE+) was run for the fourth time at a National Titles this year. The division allows newer sailors the opportunity to race at the same time as the Pro Division but sail one less lap then the top sailors. The competition was dominated by local sailors from NSW and surrounds with Tim Ford taking the win ahead of Barry Fawkes and James Farley.

In the Youth division, a world-class fleet competed with event winner and second time overall champion at this event, Christian Justesen came all the way downunder from Denmark to finish ahead of Nick Austen and Ben Morrell. Multiple time Australian title holder Rick Murray won a very contested Grand-Master division ahead of Wayne Bowness and Tibor Ferenczy.